Claudette's Blog

Valentine's Day is now so commercialized that it's becoming almost anticlimactic. In the 20 years I've been with my husband, we've gone from going out to very expensive restaurants, to giving each other big Valentine cards and candy to now focusing on what we really care and love about each other.

We now regard Valentine's Day as a time to focus on the love we've cultivated over the years. And I say cultivated because that is what we have done. Whenever I hear happily ever after, there is a clause that people often forget: It requires work, dedication and commitment.

Raising a family, especially a stepfamily requires that the couple dedicate time and energy on their relationship. That is not always easy, when our attention is divided in all different direction.

One thing that we've done to help us was to plan our romantic events. Now that's not always easy either. Ideas don't always flow easily and sometimes my husband gets annoyed and frustrated at finding ways to spruce up our romantic life.

So I'd like to share a book that we've used for many years now. It's called 101 Nights of Grrreat Romance: Secret Sealed Seductions for Fun-Loving Couplesby Laura Corn. This is one of our favorites in that the pages are sealed and you don't know ahead what you will be doing (except for the little logos that indicate whether you will be spending money, driving, eating, etc). It's also great in that the pages are specifically designed for either the man or the woman.

So each of us takes a page and work at pleasing each other in ways that we would not have thought of. The book sells for around $30.00 at either Amazon or Barnes & Noble and is so worth it. We've not done it every week but whenever we feel that we've gotten ourselves into a rut, we pull out our book. And believe me, all couples ended up at one time or another being too comfortable with each other, or so overwhelmed with daily chores that we forget the reason we came together in the first place.

So instead of spending $$$ on something that will last only 1 day, why not invest in a book that will last an entire year (or two) and make you life a lot more interesting, enjoyable and fulfilling.

And if you loved this book, then I encourage you to try Laura's other books.

Have a great Valentine's Day and may you spread that love and joy throughout the rest of the year.

Claudette

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